The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game set, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals, was fully unveiled on March 24 and is set to launch on May 30, 2025. Pre-orders for this highly anticipated set are already underway, but as seasoned collectors might expect, the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues complicating matters.
Destined Rivals stands out for a few compelling reasons. It marks the exciting return of Trainer's Pokémon cards, a beloved feature from the game's earlier days. Fans nostalgic for classics like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo will appreciate the revival of this unique archetype that ties iconic Trainers to their Pokémon in creative ways. Furthermore, the set focuses on Team Rocket, the notorious villainous group from the original Pokémon generation, adding to its allure. Much like the popular Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year, Destined Rivals is poised to be a fan-favorite.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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When pre-orders for the Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box (ETB) opened, the rush to secure one was intense. Many fans found themselves unable to access the Pokémon Center website, left to watch from the sidelines as others tried to snag the coveted boxes. These ETBs, which typically include packs and various extras, are a popular choice for those eager to dive into a new set.
Scalpers quickly capitalized on the situation, listing pre-orders of the ETB on eBay for several hundred dollars, a stark contrast to the usual $54.99 price tag. Joe Merrick from Serebii expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting the shift of the Pokémon TCG towards financial speculation and flipping. "I truly hate this," Merrick stated. "The way almost all Pokemon TCG content has shifted to financial. The way that people just treat it as investment. The way people just want to flip it. It's disgusting. Shame on all involved."
Unfortunately, this is becoming a common occurrence. Previous sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 also faced similar issues with shortages and rapid sell-outs. The Pokémon Company has announced that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later in the year, according to a FAQ on PokéBeach.
Adding to the chaos, some customers have reported their ETB orders being cancelled, further frustrating fans who simply want to enjoy the hobby. The demand for Pokémon TCG products is soaring, yet the scalping and scarcity are overshadowing the joy of collecting and playing.
While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical scarcity issues, the frustration remains for those who prefer the tangible experience of the game. A visit to your local store's card aisle likely illustrates the difficulty in finding available packs. It's especially disheartening when these releases are as exciting as Destined Rivals. Hopefully, solutions to these ongoing issues will be implemented soon.
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